PRESTON, ENGLAND - Saturday, July 19, 2014: Liverpool's Jose Enrique in action against Preston North End during a preseason friendly match at Deepdale Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

West Bromwich Albion retain interest in Liverpool left-back Jose Enrique

Defensive misfit Jose Enrique could be set to leave Liverpool this summer, with Tony Pulis’ West Bromwich Albion said to be lining up a move.

PRESTON, ENGLAND - Saturday, July 19, 2014: Liverpool's Jose Enrique in action against Preston North End during a preseason friendly match at Deepdale Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Desperately seeking a buyer for 29-year-old left-back Jose Enrique this summer, Liverpool may have found an unlikely candidate in West Bromwich Albion’s Tony Pulis.

That is according to Paul Joyce of the Express.

Rather humorously suggesting that the Baggies are targeting Enrique “as they continue to strengthen their defence,” Joyce suggests that the move could be within touching distance.

“A deal between the clubs is close for the Spanish left-back, but manager Tony Pulis will have to persuade Enrique to move to The Hawthorns,” he writes.

“Enrique has one year left on his contract at Anfield, but has been told by Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers he will not feature this season.”

Joyce’s assertion that Enrique would need to be convinced to join Jonny Evans and James Chester among Pulis’ defensive recruitment drive stems from the former Newcastle United man’s comments from earlier this summer.

Speaking to Spanish publication AS in August, Enrique said “I still have the idea to stay and fight as I always have.”

“I had a very good option to return to Spain,” Enrique claimed.

“But [it] is complicated because the economy is very different from what exists here.

“The only teams that can deal with what is paid in England are [Real Madrid and Barcelona], so I would love to stay here until my legs stop me.”

Whether West Brom would be able to finance Enrique’s glamorous lifestyle is debatable, but the Spaniard would clearly get more game time with the Midlands club.

Eighteen-year-old summer signing Joe Gomez has settled into the role of Rodgers’ first-choice left-back, while Alberto Moreno is currently serving as an able deputy for the £3.5 million Englishman.

Enrique made just four appearances in the Premier League last season.